Next-gen Kia Niro Breaks Cover With A ‘Modern’ Overhaul

• LED DRLs and contrast panel look inspired by the HabaNiro concept, with funky cladding, angular taillamps, and sexy wheels rounding off the design changes.

• Modern, yet minimalistic cabin with angular dashboard, digital driver display and touchscreen infotainment screens, and stacked ambient lighting.

• Will be offered in hybrid PHEV and all-electric trims with hybrid options getting a ‘Greenzone’ driving mode. 

• All-electric variant likely to launch in India by 2023 as a CBU. 

Five years after the Niro compact SUV first broke cover, Kia has given it its first generation update at the ongoing Seoul Motor Show 2021. Compare it to the previous model, and the new Niro is different in every conceivable way.

At a glance, the Niro’s design has fallen more in line with the car maker's new ‘EV’ range of electric vehicles, but it's actually inspired by the HabaNiro concept especially with the funky LED DRL pattern. Do note that the hybrid trims have larger air dams compared to the EV version due to cooling requirements. 

Another quirky bit in the Niro is a thick contrasting panel that runs across the C-pillar to the wheel cladding like the HabaNiro concept. Fun fact, this pillar actually aids the SUV’s aerodynamics.The funky quotient doesn’t end there as the Niro’s body cladding starts up front, stops at the halfway point of the rear door, and then restarts from the rear wheels. Aside from a chunky rear bumper, the rear looks clean with angular vertical tail lamps, and an integrated roof spoiler making the highlight reel. 

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Kia has done some serious work on the Niro’s cabin, with the overall set up considerably less cluttered, yet looking futuristic and premium. It’s also ‘green’ with recycled materials used for the cabin. Interestingly, the dashboard, as well as the large digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment screens are angled in such a way that they curve downwards when heading towards the passenger side. The two-spoke steering wheel, stacked ambient lighting and sleek rotary gear knob add to the futuristic look. 

While technical details are yet to surface, Kia has confirmed hybrid, plug-in-hybrid and all-electric options. Judging by the current e-Niro, the electric variants should get two battery options with a range between 400km to 600km. The hybrid trims are also getting a nifty driving mode called Greenzone. Basically, it’ll switch the SUV to EV mode around green zones like residential areas, schools, and hospitals. It is done by taking factors such as driving history and navigation cues saved in the navigation system into consideration.

Expect technical details to be revealed once the next-gen Kia Niro goes on sale in markets abroad in 2022. Back home, we’re unlikely to get the compact SUV, but the all-electric trim could be considered as a CBU unit for a 2023 launch. It should take on the Hyundai Kona Electric and MG ZS EV in the Indian market.